Fashion designer launches business in town after move

James Willoughby

A talented and experienced fashion designer has launched her own business in Alnwick, after relocating to Northumberland.

Caroline Titterington has opened the doors of Caroline T Designs, above The Chocolate Spa, on Fenkle Street.

The mother-of-two is offering a range of services, including dress design and alterations.

She is selling a small collection of pieces that she has made and designed, as well as a small selection of vintage and pre-loved garments and accessories.

Keen to pass on her skills, the 51-year-old is also holding dressmaking classes for adults and children.

In the future, she would like to offer placements to students who are studying fashion and textiles; she hopes to work in partnership with Alnwick’s Duchess’s Community High School.

Now living in Warkworth, having moved from Lancashire six months ago, Caroline is determined to make a success of her new venture.

She said: “Over the last few years, I ran a small company in Lancashire with my friend.

“We designed our own range of women’s wear, did made-to-measure and customised garments and offered an alteration service. It was very successful and I hope to replicate it in Alnwick.

“I have been in the industry for many years and I love and adore it. I am really passionate about what I do and I think I offer a really good personal service.”

Caroline certainly boasts an impressive CV, which includes a placement with Bruce Oldfield, in London, and working her way up to become head designer for a supplier to Marks and Spencer. Her work has seen her travel the world and she has worked on special-commission pieces.

Caroline’s dressmaking classes, priced £20 a session, are held on Wednesdays, 10am to noon, and 7pm to 9pm, as well as Thursdays, 1pm to 3pm.

There is also a class for eight-to-18-year-olds, on Wednesdays, from 4pm to 5pm, costing £10 an hour.